<p>what's in a "great" recommendation letter?</p>
<p>how long is adequate?</p>
<p>my favorite teacher wants to write a great rec letter for me, but she doesn't know anything about writing rec letters. (she's never written one before)</p>
<p>she's actually asking ME, the other day</p>
<p>does anyone have recommendation letters that my teacher could refer to? </p>
<p>if so, please PM me!</p>
<p>pm me to please.</p>
<p>a great one (well, the ones for me that I considered great) uses a variety of methods of conveying one idea: that the applicant is a good match for the college. (or the applicant might not be, but you asked about a great one). It's all different from person to person, but generally there should be some evidence and personal "story" as to 1) how the person knows the student 2) the basis for the recommender's statement (that the applicant is a great student) 3) evidence (stories, "I have seen the student do this and that...") 4) some references to what other people may think (i.e. "When my colleagues and I discuss our students, so and so's name is constantly referenced as a pleasure to teach/know), and/or 5) don't forget that if the teacher taught a rigorous course, that the teacher would explain how rigorous the course is. I'm sure other people have much to add too.</p>
<p>thanks troublesomejason</p>